Brands & Branding || Mon./Wed. 6-9 || University of Akron
Course Objective : Students will explore the idea of brands and brand process and integrate the experience into creative and functional design solutions. Each student will gain a new level of understanding and appreciation of how design and communication can not only deliver, but help define a company’s (product/service) message. The class will investigate the brand position process, strategic thinking, brand case studies, integrated brand/image communications, product launches, and how to apply this information to individual and collaborative design projects that communicate a comprehensive brand experience.

Current Course Website


View Project 1 Examples

View Project 2 Examples
Project 1 | Mark Matrix
Course Objective : Objective
1. Professional (Doctor, Accountant, Graphic Designer/Illustrator, Lawyer, etc.)
2. Retail (Book Store, Food Store, Clothing, etc.)
3. Service (Utility Company, Cable TV Service, Bank, Transportation, etc.)
4. Non-Profit Organizations (Shelters, Theaters, Environmental Groups etc.)
5. Manufacturing (Polymers, Electronics, Furniture, etc.)

Find 25 successful marks that fill the matrix below. Include comments
indicating why each mark is successful.

Find 25 unsuccessful marks that fill the matrix below. Include comments
indicating why each mark is unsuccessful.

Subject
Identity Redesign

Product
Complete Identity System with two components

Phong Ngyuen - Download Flex Nimbo Brand Book PDF

Lenny Vella - Download Reverse Brand Book PDF

Jasen Melnick - Download Akron Zoo Brand Book PDF

Dominic Caruso - Download Towpath Marathon Brand Book PDF

Jon-Mike Jackson - Download Ipecac Brand Book PDF

Allison Smith - Download Sakura Brand Book PDF

John Guffey - Download Dogs Feel Good Brand Book PDF

Jillian Tyminski - Download Six Interactions Brand Book PDF


Kirk Mueller - Download Raging Stallion Book PDF

Sarah January - Download Candy's Vintage Clothing Brand Book PDF

Project 2 | Waste Product
Project Objective : Waste product is defined as an unusable or unwanted substance or material produced during or as a result of a process, such as metabolism or manufacturing. For this project, you are going to create products (a thing produced by labor) out of waste (garbage; refuse). Your waste products will be usable and wanted as a result of your creativity and the brand design process.

All materials used to make your products must be disposable or discarded. Examples can include but are not limited to plastic bottles, shopping bags, bottle caps, cans, egg cartons, cardboard boxes, etc. The function and application of your product is up to you. It can be in wearable, used in the kitchen, for your pet, attached to your bike, used as a storage device, a fashion accessory, etc. There are no limits to what the product is, how it is to be used and who is targeted to use it. Most importantly, you’ve taken discarded materials and given them a new purpose and useful application.

You will physically build or make your product, develop a name and identity, and finally design a package and promotion. Marty Neumeier’s five disciplines of brand building differentiate, collaborate, innovate, validate, and cultivate will serve as a guide throughout product and brand development.

This project exemplifies and reminds us that as designers, we are more than service providers. Our talents exceed creating logos and collateral for companies and organizations. We are strategic thinkers, innovators, authors, culture-makers and good citizens. Our ideas can simplify, beautify and inspire.

Jasen Melnick - Download Swig n' Jig Brand Book PDF

Jillian Tyminski - Download Blooming Brooches Brand Book PDF

Julia Hartman - Download Belted Brand Book PDF

Lenny Vella - Download Bord Brand Book PDF


Jon-Mike Jackson - Download Illuminum Brand Book PDF

Kirk Mueller

Dominic Caruso - Download Colony Brand Book PDF

Allison Smith - Download Papercuts Brand Book PDF